Are bottom mount fridges better?
Yes, for most households a bottom-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MFI2568AEQ is the better everyday layout because fresh-food items sit at eye and waist level, so you bend less and access the most-used shelves faster. The tradeoff is you reach down more often for frozen foods.
Bottom-mount designs tend to feel more convenient because the refrigerator section is used more often than the freezer.
Common advantages
- Easier access to fresh food, drinks, and leftovers (less bending)
- Wider refrigerator shelves for meal prep and storage
- Freezer drawer helps keep frozen items grouped and organized
- Often better visibility of what you have in the fridge
Common drawbacks
- Freezer access requires bending or kneeling
- Freezer drawers can feel heavy when fully loaded
- Some layouts have less door-bin space than side-by-side models
| Style | Best for | Typical downside |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom-mount (like MFI2568AEQ) | Fresh-food convenience and ergonomics | Bending for freezer |
| Top-freezer | Value and simplicity | Bending for fridge |
| Side-by-side | Narrow spaces, frequent freezer use | Narrow fridge shelves |
| French door (top fridge, bottom freezer) | Wide fridge storage and visibility | Often higher cost |
A bottom-mount performs best when it is installed and used efficiently.
- Level the refrigerator so doors seal and close properly (helps temps stay steady)
- Leave the recommended clearance for airflow behind and above the cabinet
- Avoid overcrowding shelves; good airflow improves cooling efficiency
- Keep door gaskets clean so the seal stays tight
- Organize freezer items in bins so you do not keep the drawer open long
For model-specific setup details (clearances, leveling steps, door and drawer removal), follow the MFI2568AEQ owner’s manual.
Choosing the right configuration affects daily comfort, food organization, and energy use. A bottom-mount layout usually reduces bending for the items you reach for most, and good leveling and airflow help the refrigerator run efficiently.
Last updated: February 2026
Is there a reset button on a Maytag fridge?
Maytag refrigerators, including model MFI2568AEQ, do not use one universal reset button. Most “resets” are done by unplugging the refrigerator briefly to reboot the controls, or by using a specific control or switch for the feature you want to reset (such as the ice maker or filter status).
- Control reboot (power reset): Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker) for about 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Ice maker restart: Use the ice maker ON/OFF switch to turn it OFF, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back ON.
- After an outage or long absence: Plug the refrigerator back in and reset the temperature controls as shown in the MFI2568AEQ owner’s manual.
- Water system flush after reconnecting water: Run water from the dispenser to clear air and refresh the line.
| What’s wrong | Best “reset” to try first | What you should see |
|---|---|---|
| Display or controls acting odd | Power reset (unplug 5 minutes) | Controls respond normally after restart |
| No ice after being turned off | Ice maker switch OFF then ON | Ice maker cycles and begins producing ice |
| Water tastes stale after sitting | Flush dispenser water | Water runs steady with less air sputter |
| Temps not right after power loss | Reset temperature controls | Temps stabilize over the next 24 hours |
- If the lights are on but the compressor is not running, the refrigerator may be in defrost mode; wait about 40 minutes to see if it restarts.
- If the refrigerator will not run at all, check the outlet, house fuse, or breaker before repeating resets.
- If you are chasing warm temperatures, also check airflow and basic maintenance items (door closing, condenser coil cleaning).
Using the right reset prevents unnecessary parts replacement. A simple control reboot fixes many temporary glitches, while ice maker and water issues usually need a feature-specific restart and a proper flush.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the dimensions of a Maytag refrigerator?
Maytag refrigerator dimensions vary by style and capacity; for the Maytag MFI2568AEQ bottom-mount refrigerator, we recommend confirming the exact height, width, and depth using the MFI2568AEQ owner's manual and your cabinet opening measurements. Most full-size Maytag refrigerators are roughly 62 to 72 inches tall, 29 to 36 inches deep, and 30 to 36 inches wide.
Measure the cabinet opening first, then compare it to the refrigerator’s overall dimensions.
- Measure width at the front and back of the opening
- Measure height from floor to the lowest overhead cabinet or soffit
- Measure depth from the back wall to the front edge of surrounding cabinets
- Plan for door swing and drawer pull-out clearance
- Account for uneven floors; leveling can change fit slightly
For the MFI2568AEQ, the installation guidance calls for airflow clearance around the refrigerator.
| Location | Typical minimum clearance to plan for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Top | 1/2 inch | Helps heat escape and prevents cabinet rubbing |
| Rear | 1/2 inch | Allows airflow at the machine compartment cover |
| Sides/front | As needed for doors and drawers | Prevents binding and improves access |
Correct dimensions and clearances help the refrigerator cool efficiently, reduce operating noise, and prevent door seal problems caused by cabinet interference. Measuring also helps you avoid installation issues in tight recesses.
Use these sources for model-specific numbers and fit notes:
- MFI2568AEQ owner's manual for model-specific installation and measurement guidance
- MFI2568AEQ installation guide for opening, clearance, and leveling details
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average lifespan of a Maytag refrigerator?
Most Maytag refrigerators last 10 to 15 years. For a Maytag MFI2568AEQ bottom-mount refrigerator, consistent cleaning, correct temperature settings, and fixing small cooling or sealing problems early are the most reliable ways to reach (and often exceed) that typical lifespan.
- Condenser and airflow: Dust buildup and tight clearances make the compressor work harder.
- Door sealing: Worn gaskets leak cold air, increasing run time and wear.
- Cooling fan performance: A weak evaporator fan can cause warm temps and longer cycles.
- Water and ice system upkeep: Old filters and air in the lines can reduce performance.
- Fast response to symptoms: Clicking, warm spots, or frost issues usually get worse if ignored.
- Keep vents inside the fresh food section and freezer unblocked.
- Clean spills and odors regularly; follow how to get rid of refrigerator smells.
- Replace the water filter on schedule; follow how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.
- Inspect door gaskets for gaps, tears, or hardening; use how to fix a fridge door seal.
- If cooling is uneven or noisy, troubleshoot the evaporator fan; see how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
| Symptom | Often involved | Example part for MFI2568AEQ |
|---|---|---|
| Interior light stays on | Door switch not opening | Refrigerator light switch W11396033 |
| Warm temps, poor airflow | Fan blade damage | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP67006337 |
| Door not sealing, sweating | Door gasket worn | Refrigerator door gasket W11378944 |
A refrigerator that runs longer to hold temperature uses more energy and puts extra strain on major components like the compressor and control boards. Simple upkeep and quick repairs help the Maytag MFI2568AEQ cool efficiently and last closer to the 10 to 15 year average.
For model-specific care and operating guidance, use the MFI2568AEQ owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
Why does my Maytag bottom freezer build up ice on the bottom?
Ice on the bottom of the freezer in your Maytag MFI2568AEQ happens when defrost water cannot drain away; it refreezes on the freezer floor and builds into a thick sheet. Use the troubleshooting and cleaning steps in the MFI2568AEQ owner's manual to clear the drain and prevent repeat icing.
During defrost, frost melts off the evaporator coil and should flow into a drain opening, down a drain tube, and into the drain pan. When that drain path is restricted, water backs up and freezes at the lowest point.
- Ice blocking the drain hole after a defrost cycle
- Food debris or packaging bits in the drain trough
- Sludge buildup inside the drain tube
- Door left ajar or poor seal letting humid air in
- Freezer temperature set too cold, speeding refreezing
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the freezer drawer and bins.
- Melt the ice on the freezer bottom (hair dryer on low or bowls of hot water).
- Flush the drain hole with hot water using a turkey baster.
- Confirm the drain is open by listening for water dripping into the drain pan.
If icing returns quickly, moisture intrusion is often the driver. A worn door gasket can leak humid air and create heavy frost that turns into excess defrost water. For this model, inspect the sealing surface and consider the correct gasket option such as the refrigerator door gasket W11378944 (match door position and color).
| What you notice | Most likely cause | Best next check |
|---|---|---|
| Ice returns in 1 to 3 days | Drain still restricted | Flush again; clear drain tube from rear if accessible |
| Frost on walls and food | Door not sealing | Check gasket contact and door alignment |
| Water under crisper area | Drain not flowing to pan | Verify drain pan area is clear |
A clogged drain reduces freezer space, causes temperature swings, and can lead to water leaks onto the floor.
Last updated: February 2026





